Simple Steps To Happiness

Rex Features
Finding happiness doesn't have to be complex - often, paying attention to simple pleasures can make a real difference to your emotional well-being - and, in turn, to your physical health! Click here for some top simple tips from some of our favourite lifestyle and health experts.
"Notice what you eat. Once a day, sit round a table with your friends or family, switch off electrical distractions and savour a meal. You'll enjoy it more - and you'll eat less," says Ursula Arens, dietitian.

Go herbal. "The energising effect of tea becomes more pronounced as the tea ages, so look for aged Oolong or aged Puer for the greatest uplift. Or try a green tea - it's like springtime in your cup!" says John Kennedy, owner of contemporary teahouse TeaSmith.

"Check for eyestrain: put your hand to your forehead in a salute. If your eyes feel relieved, your workspace is too bright," says Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project.

Move your body - for 30 minutes every day. "You don't have to do it all in one go and it can be as simple as walking to the bus stop - anything that gets your heart rate up!" says Mike Pollard, manager, Total Fitness.

Try talking once in a while. "The next time you're on a train or in a lift, start a conversation with someone nearby. Be curious, and expect them to surprise you with something interesting. Connect with people in the real world - not just through Facebook or your BlackBerry," says Jessica Chivers, 'The Thinking Woman's Coach' and founder of Be You But Better coaching (beyoubutbetter.co.uk).

Find a quiet space and hum. "Practice the yogic breathing technique called 'bhramari'. Inhaling deeply through the nose, hum loudly like a bee for the whole length of the exhalation, until you have no breath left. Repeat 10 times. You'll be amazed by the sense of stillness afterwards." Maybe don't try this in public.

Eat 30g of dark chocolate a day. It's the new superfood.  
Grab a coffee before exercise. Studies show a cup before you start will enable you to work out for up to 30% longer - and the caffeine triggers your body to burn fat rather than carbs. Result!

Learn to walk properly. "Walking with the correct postural alignment, using my unique walking technique, creates muscle tone and better posture. Walk through your foot, stabilise your hips and lengthen your neck, swinging your arms to increase speed. You should cover at least 3,450 steps in 30 minutes to see a difference in your shape," says Joanna Hall, diet and movement specialist, Joannahall.com.

Indulge your nostrils. "Combine wild orange oil, pettigrain and neroli in an oil burner or, heavily diluted, in a bath. It'll make you feel like a whole new person!" Caroline Wadkin, aromatherapist, Ourhealingarts.org

Get rid of the mess. "Tonight, go home and throw out anything you don't need or love - you'll create room to receive new things that will bring you happiness," says John Sandifer, feng shui expert, Fengshui.co.uk.
Buy a fish tank
Watching fish lowers blood pressure - one of the key measurements of stress.
"Do something you find difficult. You'll gain a sense of achievement and the rewarding feeling that you're reaching your potential," says Rose Aghdami, chartered psychologist, Mindexpert.com 
Become the most popular person you know. Practise five small acts of kindness a week. Studies have shown it will increase your sense of wellbeing. Doing them all in one day boosts happiness even further.